Microcomputer control system in which programs can be modified and newer versions of the modified programs being detected and executed

• US 20030033598A1
• Filed: 10/11/2002
• Published: 02/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/1996
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Maxell, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Tamotsu Ito
• Inventors: Ito, Tamotsu
• Granted Patent: US 7,174,537 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/170
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/66 of program code stored in read-only memory [ROM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/24 Loading of the microprogram

Abstract

Programs or data in a mask ROM incorporated in a one-chip microcomputer can be modified from the outside. With version information appended to each of a mask ROM 2 incorporated in a one-chip microcomputer 6 and an external EPROM 5, by comparing the version numbers, programs (tasks and subroutines) of a new version can always be executed and update data of a new version can be used. The programs can be customized for each user.

Claims

1. A microcomputer control system in which programs incorporated in a microcomputer can be equivalently modified from the outside of said microcomputer, and wherein version information is appended to each of the whole of programs incorporated in said microcomputer and the whole of programs to be modified, provided from outside of the microcomputer, said system comprising means using said version information to judge which of the programs incorporated in said microcomputer and the programs to be modified, provided outside of said microcomputer, is newer, and means to use whichever programs are newer.